Positive airway pressure device

ABSTRACT

A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier configured to receive and humidify the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator. The PAP device also includes a power source. The flow generator, humidifier and power source are positioned so that heat generated by at least one of the flow generator and the power source is conveyed to water in the humidifier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/663,908, filed Mar. 20, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.No. 13/896,515, filed May 17, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,324, whichis a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/615,503, filed Nov.10, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,640, which claims priority to U.S.Application 61/113,715, filed Nov. 12, 2008, the entire contents of eachare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to positive airway pressure devices forrespiratory therapy for treating, for example, Sleep DisorderedBreathing (SDB). The present invention also relates to components forpositive pressure airway devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP), including Continuous Positive AirwayPressure (CPAP), is a form of Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation(NIPPV) for the treatment of Osbtructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). PAPtreatment involves the delivery of a pressurized breathable gas, usuallyair, to a patient's airways using a conduit and a patient interface, forexample, a mask. Gas pressures employed for CPAP treatment typicallyrange from 4 cm H₂O to 20 cm H₂O, at flow rates of up to 180 l/min(measured at the patient interface), depending on patient requirements.The pressurized gas acts as a pneumatic splint for the patient's airway,preventing airway collapse, especially during the inspiratory phase ofrespiration.

CPAP machines including an airflow generator for supplying pressurizedair to the patient are known, and over recent years there has beencommercial incentive for more compact CPAP machines. However, in seekingto reduce the size of the CPAP machines there has been a trade-offbetween reduced size on the one hand and reduced performance on theother.

The advantages of incorporating humidification of the air supply to apatient are known, and CPAP machines are known which incorporatehumidifying devices, either separately from the flow generator orintegrated therewith. An example of an integrated flowgenerator/humidifier is the ResMed® S7 sold by the assignee of thepresent application. An example of a humidifier which is separatelyprovided to be connectable to a flow generator is disclosed inco-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication2008/0072900 A1.

It is known to provide a heating unit, such as a heating plate, to ahumidifier to increase the amount of water vapor in the flow ofbreathable gas. Reducing the size of CPAP machines, includinghumidifiers, has led to a decrease in the size of water containersmaking it more difficult to provide humidification of the air supplyduring the entirety of the patient's sleep cycle. The reduction in thesize of humidifier tubs results in a decrease in the surface area of thewater exposed to the flow of air provided by the flow generator. Thiscreates problems in maintaining a sufficient moisture pickup. Theintegration of humidifiers with flow generators also makes it moredifficult to clean the water container of the humidifier due to complexshapes of the tub and cover.

Humidifiers which are attachable to the flow generator also suffer fromcertain drawbacks. In some instances, the humidifier increases the sizeof the footprint of the device, meaning a table or stand may no longerbe of suitable size to hold the device once the humidifier is attached.Some humidifiers also have seals that are submerged and that may tend todeteriorate over time with prolonged contact to water, increasing thepropensity for leaks.

Some attachable humidifiers include a metal base to transfer heat fromthe heating plate to the water in the humidifier. The metal in theseplates may corrode over time, reducing the effectiveness, evendestroying, the humidifier. Additionally, extra electrical contacts needto be attached to the humidifier to provide power to the heating plate,and, since the heating plate is often positioned under the water supply,there is a design requirement to prevent spilled water from reachingelectrical components.

The heat in the PAP device itself may often build up and reduce bearinglife within the device. PAP devices also generate noise duringoperation, and this noise must be controlled so that it does notinterfere with patient sleep.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device that comprisescomponents that are configured to be connected to present a reducedfootprint.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device that comprisescomponents that may be exchanged with other components.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device that comprisesa humidifier to provide a flow of humidified air and the humidifier maybe one of a plurality of humidifiers of varying size that are allconfigured to be connected to the PAP device.

A still further aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device thatincludes a humidifier configured to store a supply of water that iseasily accessible.

An even further aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device thatimproves heat conduction to the flow of air, a supply of water thathumidifies the air, and/or the humidified air flow.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device in whichresidual heat from a flow generator configured to generate a flow ofbreathable gas and/or heat from a heating element are conducted to theflow of air, a supply of water that humidifies the air, and/or thehumidified air flow.

Still another aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device thatreduces the noise produced by operation of the PAP device.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device that maycomprise a humidifier configured to store a supply of water to humidifythe flow of air and that has a reduced possibility of leakage.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device thatcomprises a heating element configured to heat the air flow and/or waterto humidify the air flow.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device that includesa humidifier component that is more easily connected to a flow generatorthan currently available devices.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a PAP device that includesa power supply and control to supply power and control to a flowgenerator configured to generate the flow of breathable gas and/or aheating element that is configured to heat the flow of breathable gasand/or a supply of water to humidify the flow in which the power supplyand control and/or heating element is at less risk of water leaking intothe power supply and control and/or the heating element.

According to a sample embodiment of the invention, a positive airwaypressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to apatient comprises a first housing; a flow generator provided in thefirst housing, the flow generator configured to generate a flow ofbreathable gas; a second housing configured to be connected to the firsthousing, the second housing comprising a channel comprising an inletconfigured to receive the flow of breathable gas and an outletconfigured to discharge the flow of breathable gas, wherein the firsthousing is provided on top of the second housing such that a footprintof the PAP device is not substantially increased beyond a footprint ofthe second housing.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of thisdisclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of thisinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the variousembodiments of this invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a PAP device including a humidifieraccording to a sample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a cross section of the PAP device ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a PAP device including a humidifieraccording to another sample embodiment

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a PAP device according to anothersample embodiment;

FIG. 4A schematically illustrate a cross section of the PAP device ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates an airflow path of the PAP device ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a PAP device according to anothersample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a PAP device including a humidifieraccording to another sample embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate cross sections of the PAPdevice of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a blower motor assembly housing usablewith the PAP device of FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a PAP device including a humidifieraccording to another sample embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10C schematically illustrate blower motor assembly housingsusable with the PAP device of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11A and 11B schematically illustrate a sample embodiment of a PAPdevice according to another sample embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 12A-12C schematically illustrate another sample embodiment of aPAP device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided in relation to several embodimentswhich may share common characteristics and features. It is to beunderstood that one or more features of any one embodiment may becombinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. Inaddition, any single feature or combination of features in any of theembodiments may constitute additional embodiments.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its“open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limitedto its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. Acorresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words“comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

The term “air” will be taken to include breathable gases, for exampleair with supplemental oxygen. It is also acknowledged that the blowersdescribed herein may be designed to pump fluids other than air.

PAP Device First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a PAP device 10 according to a sampleembodiment may comprise a flow generator provided in a flow generatorhousing 14 and a humidifier 60 configured to contain a supply of waterto humidify the flow of breathable gas generated by the flow generator.The humidifier 60 comprises an outlet 62 that is tangentially providedon the outer surface. The PAP device 10 may be configured to be portableand include a handle 24 provided to the flow generator housing part 14.The PAP device 10 may be sized to be carried around by the handle 24, orin a small container, such as a tote bag.

The PAP device 10 comprises a power base 12 that is configured to housea power supply and control unit 30. The power base 12 may include anelectrical connector 28, for example an electrical cord configured todeliver AC current to the power supply and control unit 30 of the PAPdevice 10. It should be appreciated that the power supply and controlunit 30 may also be powered by a battery, for example a rechargeablebattery.

The humidifier 60 may include a threaded portion 64 configured tothreadably engage a threaded portion 42 of the flow generator housing 14to connect the humidifier 60 and the flow generator housing 14. Itshould be appreciated that an alternative connection arrangement, forexample a hinge, may be provided to connect the humidifier 60 and theflow generator housing 14. The humidifier 60 may comprise an innercircumferential wall 67 that is configured to be received in recesses 15provided in the flow generator housing 14 to align the humidifier 60 andthe flow generator housing 14.

A blower motor assembly 32 is provided in the flow generator housing 14and receives power and controls from the power supply and control unit30. The blower motor assembly 32 may comprise a motor for rotatablydriving at least one impeller to generate a flow of air. Such blowermotor assemblies are disclosed in, for example, WO 2007/048205 A1 and WO2007/048206 A1, the entire contents of both being incorporated herein byreference.

Power and control may be supplied to the blower motor assembly 32 fromthe power supply and control unit 30 by an electrical connectionprovided between the power supply and control unit 30 and the blowermotor assembly 32 by, for example, an electrical and control connector56 at the connection between the power base 12 and the flow generatorhousing 14. The humidifier 60 may also comprise an electrical andcontrol connector 74 configured to receive the electrical and controlconnector 56 of the flow generator housing 14 and guide the flowgenerator housing 14 into threaded engagement with the humidifier 60.The connectors 56, 74 may include electrical connections and/or contactsto electrically connect the power supply and control unit 30 to theblower motor assembly 32 and the controls 20. The electrical and controlconnectors may be circular multipole connectors.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, the flow generator housing 14 of the PAPdevice 10 may comprise controls 20 and a display 22, for example an LCD.The controls 20 may comprise buttons, although it should be appreciatedthat other controls, such as knobs or dials, may be provided. Thecontrols 20 may be electrically connected to the power supply andcontrol unit 30 when the power base 12, the humidifier 60, and the flowgenerator housing 14 are assembled together, for example through theelectrical connections and/or contacts 56 described above. The controls20 may include, for example, an ON/OFF button to turn the blower motorassembly 32 on and off. Other controls may be provided, for example, toset a timer, adjust the speed of the blower motor assembly 32 and/orcontrol a heating plate provided to a humidifier 60, as described inmore detail below.

The display 22 may indicate, for example, various operating conditionsof the PAP device, including a pressure and/or temperature of the airflow generated by the blower motor assembly 32 and/or a humidity levelof the air flow.

The power base 12 may include cooling vents 41 to permit dissipation ofheat generated by the power supply and control unit 30. A lip 43 may beprovided over the cooling vents 41 to protect the power supply andcontrol unit 30 from accidental spillage. It should also be appreciatedthat the power base 12 may also be sealed.

The flow generator housing 14 may comprise air inlets 18 formed in aside wall of the flow generator housing 14. When the blower motorassembly 32 is turned on, the blower motor assembly 32 draws inlet air34 from the ambient through the air inlets 18 of the flow generatorhousing 14. The inlet air 34 drawn by the blower motor assembly 32creates an air flow 36 in the flow generator housing 14 that provides aninlet air flow 38 into the blower motor assembly 32.

The inlet air flow 38 is pressurized by the blower motor assembly 32.The amount of pressurization is dependent on, for example, the rotationspeed of the impeller(s) of the blower motor assembly 32. Thepressurized air flow 58 exits the blower motor assembly 32 into anairway connector 44 provided in the flow generator housing 14 and isthen directed by the airway connector 44 into a channel inlet 46. Asshown in FIG. 1B, the channel inlet 46 directs the flow into a spiralchannel 49 defined by a channel wall 52 provided in the flow generatorhousing 14. The channel 49 forms the flow into a spiral air flow that isdirected to a channel outlet 50 that is provided in fluid communicationwith the outlet 62 provided on the humidifier 16.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the humidifier 60 may comprise a channel wall 66that is configured to be generally coplanar with the channel wall 52 ofthe flow generator housing 14 to define the spiral channel 49 when thehumidifier 60 and the flow generator housing 14 are connected. The airflow 58 delivered to the channel inlet 46 by the airway connector 44 isformed into a spiral airflow 54 by the spiral channel 49 formed by thechannel walls 52, 66. The air flow 54 passes over the surface 70 of asupply of water 68 provided in the humidifier 60 and the air flow 54 ishumidified. As shown in FIG. 3B, the air flow 58 is delivered by theairway connector 44 to the channel inlet 46 generally near the center ofthe humidifier 60. As the air flow 54 spirals from about the center ofthe humidifier 60 to the channel outlet 50, the amount of water that theair flow 54 contacts is maximized to improve the humidification of theair flow 54. The humidified air flow 54 is directed by the channel 49 tothe channel outlet 50 and exits the humidifier 60 through an outlet 62.A delivery hose or tube may be connected to the outlet 62 to deliver thehumidified air flow to a patient interface, for example a mask.

Various factors can affect how much humidity the air flow picks up as itpasses through the humidifier 60. These factors may include, but are notlimited to, the length of contact with the water, the duration ofcontact with the water, the temperature of the air flow and/or thewater, etc. At least some of these factors may be controlled by ahumidification control system contained in the power supply and controlunit 30. Such a humidification control system is disclosed in, forexample, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009/0223514 A1, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As anotherexample, the length and/or duration of the air flow's contact with thewater can be increased by providing baffles in the channel 49 to createa longer path through which the air flows.

The humidifier 60 may be configured to contain a supply of water ofabout 300 ml-800 ml. In a variant shown in FIG. 2, a humidifier 76having a larger capacity than the humidifier 60 may be provided forconnection to the power base 12 and the flow generator housing 14. Thehumidifier 76 may contain a supply of water of about 500 ml-1600 ml. Adelivery hose or tube may be connected to an outlet 78 of the humidifier76 to deliver a humidified air flow to a patient interface.

PAP Device Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, a PAP device 11 according to anothersample embodiment of the invention may comprise a power base 13 and theflow generator housing 14. The power base 13 houses a power supply andcontrol unit 31. As shown in FIG. 4A, the flow generator housing 14includes the threaded portion 42 that is threadably connectable to athreaded portion 40 of the power base 13. It should be appreciated thatthe flow generator housing 14 and the power base 13 may be connected byother mechanisms, for example a hinge. The flow generator housing 14 maybe connected to the power base 13 by the connector 56 and a connector72. The connectors 56, 72 may be, for example, circular multipoleconnectors. The power base 13 may include cooling vents 41 that areprotected by a lip 45. The power base 13 may be sealed rather thanvented.

One or more baffles or mufflers may be provided within the first housingpart 14 to reduce the sound of the PAP device 10 during operation.Further, heat from the blower motor assembly 32, and/or an independentlyoperable heater may be used to heat the air as it passes through the PAPdevice 11, if it is desired to deliver heated air to a patient.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the flow generator housing 14 comprisesthe spiral channel wall 52 that defines a spiral channel 48. It shouldbe appreciated that although the channel is shown as spiral, it shouldbe appreciated that the flow of air could be more direct, or throughpassageways other than spiral. In the embodiment illustrated, the airflow is directed through the spiral channel 48 to replicate the air flowpath of the humidifier described above, where the spiral will minimizeresistance to the air flow. Heat generated by the flow generator, i.e.the blower motor assembly 32, may be used to heat the air flow in thechannel 48. Further, although not shown in the drawings, it should beappreciated that baffles may be provided within the channel 48 to reducethe sound of the air flow through the device.

As shown in FIG. 5, a tube, or hose, 80 may be connected to the outlet26, for example by a connector 84, to deliver the air flow to a patientinterface 82, for example a mask. The hose 80 may be wrapped around theperimeter of the PAP device 11 for storage or shipment of the PAP device11. The flow generator housing 14 may include a clip, or cleat, orrecess for securing the patient interface 82 to the PAP device 10.Although the hose is shown wrapped around the PAP device 11 that doesnot include a humidifier, it should be appreciated that the hose may bewrapped around the PAP device 10 described above with respect to FIGS.1A-2 that includes a humidifier.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the PAP device 10, 11 has the same footprintregardless of whether the PAP device is provided without a humidifier, ahumidifier having a first capacity, or a humidifier having a second,larger capacity. It should be appreciated that various stackableconfigurations are possible, including placing the flow generatorhousing 14 below the humidifier 60, 76 or placing the power base 12 andthe flow generator housing 14 above the humidifier 60, 76. It should bealso be appreciated that the base 12 and the flow generator housing 14may be combined into one unit and placed above or below the humidifier60,76. In the event that the flow generator housing 14 is placed belowanother component, it may be desirable to place the controls and displayin a more accessible location, for example on a side of the flowgenerator housing, or the power base.

PAP Device Third Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, a PAP device 10 comprises a flow generator 86and a humidifier 96. The flow generator 86 is configured to generate aflow of breathable gas, e.g. air, and includes a blower motor assembly98 provided in a blower motor assembly housing 100. The blower motorassembly 98 may comprise at least one impeller that is rotatably drivenby a motor. A blower motor assembly suitable for use in the embodimentshown in FIG. 6 is disclosed in, for example, WO 2007/134405 A1 and U.S.Patent Application Publication 2008/0304986 A1, the entire contents ofboth being incorporated herein by reference. The blower motor assembly98 may be connected to an electrical connection 28, for example anelectrical cord configured to be inserted into an AC outlet.

The blower motor assembly housing 100 may define a chamber 104 that isconfigured to house the blower motor 98 and a heater element 102, forexample a heater plate. The chamber 104 may be formed of metal toimprove heat conduction from the heater plate 102 to the water 68 in thehumidifier 96. The metal of the chamber 104 may also improve heatconduction from the operation of the blower motor 98 to the water 68,which may reduce the amount of power that must be supplied to theheating plate 102. The temperature of the blower motor 98 may thus beregulated, which may increase bearing life. Reducing the power that mustbe supplied to the heating plate 102 may improve the efficiency ingeneral, and also increase the scope for battery power of the flowgenerator 86 and the humidifier 96. Surrounding the blower motorassembly 100 with the humidifier and the water it contains act as soundinsulation for radiated noise from the blower motor 98.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the flow generator 86 may comprise a flowgenerator housing 88 that is configured to be connected to thehumidifier 96 in a substantially water tight manner. The housing 88 maybe connected to the humidifier 96 by, for example, threaded engagement.A seal, or seals, 170 may be provided between the housing 88 of the flowgenerator 86 and the humidifier 96. The seal, or seals, between thehousing 88 and the humidifier 96 may be provided above the maximum waterfill level of the humidifier. As the humidifier may not include any sealor seals under the level of the water 68, the risk of leaks from thehumidifier 96 is reduced.

The humidifier 96 may be formed, for example, from a single plastic moldand may contain no metal component for the purpose of heat conduction.The formation of the humidifier from plastic reduces the risk ofcorrosion.

The flow generator housing 88 comprises air inlets 95 formed in, forexample, an outer peripheral surface. It should be appreciated that theair inlets may be formed at other locations on the flow generatorhousing 88. The flow generator housing 88 may include controls 92, suchas buttons, and a display 94 configured to display, for example,operating parameters or settings of the PAP device 10. The housing 88and humidifier 96 may be engaged by, for example, a threaded connection.A handle 90 may be provided to the housing 88 to permit the PAP device10 to be carried or moved. Carrying or moving the PAP device 10 by thehandle 90 may help ensure that the orientation of the PAP device 10 iscorrectly maintained and prevent spillage of the water 68 from thehumidifier 96 into, for example, the blower motor assembly housing 100or into a tube 128 connected to the humidifier 96 by a connector 126 atan outlet 124 of the humidifier 96. The humidifier 96 may also include aplurality of feet 144. The feet 144 may be made of, for example, rubberto increase the friction between the humidifier 96 and a supportingsurface, such as a table adjacent the patient's bed, and to preventsliding and/or tipping of the humidifier 96 on the support surface.

The PAP device 10 shown in FIGS. 6-7B requires fewer parts thancurrently available humidified PAP devices. The connection between thehumidifier 96 and the flow generator 86 is also easier for patients thancurrent PAP devices. The PAP device 10 is also less expensive thancurrently available humidified PAP devices. The tub of the humidifier 96may be formed as one piece and be replaceable and/or washable. Thehumidifier 96 of the PAP device 10 may experience fewer leaks thancurrently available humidifiers and may not have any corrosion issues.The PAP device 10 may also be smaller than current PAP devices thatinclude, or are usable with, humidifiers.

The tub of the humidifier 96 may be transparent. It should also beappreciated that the tub of the humidifier 96 may comprise a color. Forexample, a certain color may be assigned to indicate a particular devicecustomization. The color may also serve as an indicator of a size, orvolume, of the tub of the humidifier. Tubs intended to be used in colderregions may comprise insulation.

Referring to FIG. 8, the blower motor assembly housing 100 for theblower motor 98 may comprise a flange 106 having an inlet 108 and anoutlet 110. The blower motor assembly housing 100 may be formed, forexample, from a single piece forming the chamber 104 for the motor 98and the bottom of the upper flower generator 86. Both the inlet 108 andthe outlet 110 may be covered by flanges or other backspill preventiondevices.

When the motor 98 of the blower motor assembly 100 is turned on, air isdrawn in through the inlets 95 of the flow generator housing 88. The airmoves in a circular fashion around the chamber 104 of the blower motorassembly housing 100 and over the water 68 and out through outlet 124,where it then passes into a hose, tube, or conduit 128 that is connectedthe outlet 124 by a connector 126. As shown in FIG. 6, the air inlets 95are generally on an opposite side of the device 10 from the outlet 124of the humidifier 96, although it should be appreciated that otherarrangements are possible. It should also be appreciated that air inletsmay be provided at more than one location in the device.

In a variant, the humidifying may be done on the atmospheric side of theturbine rather than the pressurized side. There are some advantages indoing so, including no need for pressure-tight humidifier seals, whichhas allows for easier separating of the humidifier from the flowgenerator, and no need to separate the circuit from humidifier. It alsoretains an entirely consistent interface to the user, in that thecircuit connects only to the flow generator, which may improve stylingissues. There is no pressure compensation required for the humidifier.Whatever flow channel is required for the humidification also acts as aflow channel for acoustics of the inlet. If closed-loop control ofhumidification is needed, the sensors can be built into the flowgenerator airpath rather than the circuit, with the associated sensorconnection. The process of humidifier refilling without interruptingtreatment is simplified, since there's no pressure gradient aboveatmosphere. The filter could be built into the flow generator with anair conduit down into the perimeter of the humidifier tub.

PAP Device Fourth Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 9, a PAP device 10 according to another sampleembodiments comprises a humidifier 96 configured to contain a supply ofwater 68. A blower assembly housing 100 is supported in the humidifier96 and contains a chamber 104. A blower assembly 98 is provided in thechamber 104. Blower assemblies suitable for use are disclosed in, forexample, WO 2007/134405 A1 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/155,528,filed Jun. 5, 2008, the entire contents of each being incorporatedherein by reference. A heater element 102, for example a heater plate,may also be provided in the chamber 104. The blower assembly 98 and theheater plate 102 may be connected by electrical connectors 104 toreceive power from a common power source.

A lid 146 is provided to cover the humidifier 96 and the blower assemblyhousing 100. The lid 88 may be configured to present a low profile. Asshown in FIG. 9, the chamber 104 of the blower assembly housing 100 issubmerged in the water 68. The blower assembly housing 100 may be formedof, for example, metal to conduct heat from the heater plate 102, andthe blower assembly 98, to the water 68. The water 68 may also absorbsound from the blower assembly 98 to reduce the noise of the operationof the device 10.

Ambient air is allowed to enter the PAP device 10 through inlets 95formed in the lid 146. The blower assembly 98 creates a flow of air 148that exits an outlet 132 of the chamber 104 of the blower assemblyhousing 100 and passes a flow sensor 134 into a hose, tube, or conduit136 that extends to an inlet 108 of the blower assembly housing 100. Theair flow 148 passes a flap 138 that may be pivotally connected to thehousing 100 to cover the inlet 108. The air flow 148 then flows aroundthe chamber 104 of the housing 100 and passes over the water 68 and ishumidified. The humidified air flow 164 passes through an outlet 110 andinto an outlet tube 142 that is connected to the outlet 110 of thehousing 100. The humidified air flow 164 is conducted out of the device10 through the outlet tube 142 which extends through the lid 146. Theoutlet tube 142 may be connected to a tube including heating element toprovide heat to the humidified flow 164, for example to preventcondensation, or rain out, in the tube 142. Such a tube including aheating element is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication 2008/0105257 A1, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. As the humidified flow passes backthrough the flow generator the connection of the heated tube does notrequire additional coupling to the humidifier.

The air flow 148 enters the humidifier 96 through the inlet 108 of thehousing 100 and may pass through baffles. Baffle arrangements usable inthe sample embodiment of FIG. 9 are shown in FIGS. 10A-10C.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10A, the blower assembly housing 100 maycomprise baffles 112 that each include an aperture 114. The air flow 148enters the humidifier 96 through the inlet 108 and passes through theapertures 114 and passes over the water 68. The humidified air flow 168then exits the humidifier 96 through the outlet 110 into the outlet tube142.

Referring to FIG. 10B, in a variant embodiment, the blower assemblyhousing 100 may comprise baffles 116 that each include a plurality ofapertures 118. In another variant embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, theblower assembly housing 100 may include alternating baffles 120, 122.Baffles 120 may extend radially inwardly from an outer edge of theblower assembly housing 100 and baffles 122 may extend radiallyoutwardly from the perimeter of the chamber 104. The air flow 148 mayassume a serpentine path from the inlet 108 to the outlet 122 as itpasses the alternating baffles 120, 122.

The baffles 112; 116; 120, 122 reduce noise from the PAP device 10 thatwould otherwise be conducted down the air delivery tube. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 10B, the baffles 116 have a grate-likecomposition. These baffles 116 may have the effect of further slowingair and reducing sound, compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 10A.The baffles 116 are also configured to keep the air flow 148 in contactwith the water longer 68 and to reduce the noise of the PAP device 10.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10C, the alternating baffles 120, 122increase the length of the path that the air flow 148 must travel fromthe inlet 108 to the outlet 110. The baffles 120, 122 also reduce theamount of sound produced by the PAP device 10.

Referring again to FIG. 9, a controller 130 may be provided to controlthe supply of power to and operation of the blower assembly 98. Thecontroller 130 may be, for example, a printed circuit board comprising acontrol circuit that receives signals from the flow sensor 134 andcontrols the blower assembly 98 and heater plate 102 to provide ahumidified air flow 164 at predetermined humidity and/or temperature.Such a control circuit is disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication 2009/0223514 A1, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

In order to prevent the water 68 in the humidifier 96 from backspillinginto the chamber 104 and/or onto the controller 130, for example whenthe PAP device 10 is in transit and/or held at an angle unintended froma design standpoint, the flap 138 covers the inlet 108 of the blowerassembly housing 100. The flap 138 may be biased into a position tocover the inlet 108 in the blower assembly housing 100. For example, theflap 138 may be connected to the housing 100 by a hinge and biased by aspring, such as a leaf spring or a coil spring. As another example, theflap 138 may be connected to the housing 100 by an integral, or living,hinge, that holds the flap 138 over the inlet 108 in a relaxed state.The pressure supplied to the air flow 148 by the blower assembly 98should be at a level sufficient to provide a positive pressuredifference across the flap 138 to overcome the bias and open the flap138 and allow the air flow 148 to pass through the inlet 108 into thehumidifier. The positive pressure difference that is sufficient toovercome the bias and open the flap 138 may be, for example, the lowestpressure generally prescribed for therapy. When blower assembly 98 isnot operating, or is operating at a pressure below that necessary toopen the flap 138, the flap 138 will close. This further precaution canbe useful because people transporting the device may not be as consciousabout the problems with water backspill if the device is not poweredduring transport.

PAP Device Components

FIGS. 11A-12 C illustrate further configurations for components of a PAPdevice that have provide structural integrity. Referring to FIG. 11A, anupper component 152 may be stacked on a lower component 150. The uppercomponent 152, which may comprise, for example, a blower assembly,comprises tabs 154 that are insertable into slots 156 provided in thelower component 150. This configuration may prevent the components 150,12 from being separated if the device is accidentally bumped into and/orknocked over. As shown in FIG. 11B, in the stacked, i.e. connected,configuration, the upper component 152 and the lower component 150present a flush outer surface 166.

Power may be supplied to the device through an electrical connector 158.The tabs 154 and slots 150 may include complementary electricalconnections so that power supplied to the lower component 150 is alsoprovided to the upper component 152. It should also be appreciated thatan electrical connector may be provided to the upper component insteadof, or in addition to, the electrical connector 158.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12C, an upper component 160 may be connected to alower component 150 by tabs 162 that are configured to be inserted intoslots 156 provided in an outer surface of a lower component 150. Asshown in FIG. 12B, when connected, an edge 168 of the upper component160 extends beyond the outer surface of the lower component 150.Although this configuration, and other possible configurations, mightslightly increase the footprint over that of the lower component (asshown in the bottom view of FIG. 12C), this configuration does notsubstantially increase the footprint of the PAP device.

The progressive reduction in size of turbines, electronics, and othercomponents has resulted in flow generators and humidifiers of manageablesize as disclosed in the instant application. In addition, circuitmanagement, for example around the circularly symmetric power base,humidifier, and/or flow generator housing, offers options for circuitstowage (e.g. wrapping around).

Spill back protection is provided because the turbine is above thewaterline. The closer the blower, or flow generator, outlet (into thehumidifier) is to the center of the humidifier maximizes this advantagebecause tilting the system won't cause water ingress. Specific spillback protection may thus not be needed.

There is a consistent pneumatic impedance and acoustic path for both PAPdevices, i.e. humidified and non-humidified. This means that adding ahumidifier does not alter the pneumatic capabilities of the device, andremoves any need for the controller to be aware of the humidifier'spresence.

A problem with prior designs is that an internal power supply unit,which has traditionally been considered more convenient for the userthan external, and other power electronics are a source of heat withinthe flow generator housing as are the drive electronics for the motor.The flow generator housing is typically sealed for acoustic reasons, sothat heat can be trapped. That trapped heat can contribute to bearingwear and surface temperatures. As described herein, the disclosedembodiments change this situation, in that by placing the power supplyunit and the motor drive electronics in a separate compartment to themotor, (1) they separate the power supply unit and its heat from theturbine, (2) that heat is used to contribute to heating the water ratherthan being wasted, promoting efficiency, and (3) the power componentsare both separate but also in a defined configuration, so if coolingslots are found to be needed they can be in a controlled orientation.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, where the motor contributes to theheating of the water by immersion, the same concept is achieved byimmersing (or conducting heat from) the power supply unit and motordrive electronics instead of the motor. This has different effectscompared to the turbine immersion, but among the advantages is a greaterheating capability, since the electronics can include the heater itself.

While the invention has been described in connection with what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the invention. Also, the various embodiments described abovemay be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspectsof one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment torealize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature orcomponent of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.Furthermore, each individual component of any given assembly, one ormore portions of an individual component of any given assembly, andvarious combinations of components from one or more embodiments mayinclude one or more ornamental design features. In addition, while theinvention has particular application to patients who suffer from OSA, itis to be appreciated that patients who suffer from other illnesses(e.g., congestive heart failure, diabetes, morbid obesity, stroke,bariatric surgery, etc.) can derive benefit from the above teachings.Moreover, the above teachings have applicability with patients andnon-patients alike in non-medical applications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A positive airway pressure (PAP) device forsupplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient, the PAP devicecomprising: housing; a flow generator secured within the housing andconfigured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas; and a humidifierconfigured to be secured to the housing and receive and humidify thepressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator, wherein whenthe humidifier is secured to the housing, the flow generator and thehumidifier are positioned so that heat generated by the flow generatorinside the housing is conveyed through the housing to water in thehumidifier.
 2. A PAP device according to claim 1, wherein the flowgenerator comprises an internal power supply and the flow generator isconfigured to convey heat generated by the internal power supply to thewater in the humidifier.
 3. A PAP device according to claim 2, whereinthe flow generator further comprises power supply electronics forcontrolling the internal power supply, and wherein the flow generator isconfigured to convey heat generated by the power supply electronics tothe water in the humidifier.
 4. A PAP device according to claim 1,wherein the flow generator comprises a blower with an impellerconfigured to pressurize the flow of breathable gas and comprises ablower motor assembly configured to drive the blower.
 5. A PAP deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the flow generator is configured to conveyheat generated by the blower motor assembly to the water in thehumidifier.
 6. A PAP device according to claim 4, wherein the flowgenerator further comprises motor drive electronics configured tocontrol the blower motor assembly, and wherein the flow generator isconfigured to convey heat generated by the drive electronics to thewater in the humidifier.
 7. A PAP device according to claim 6, whereinthe motor drive electronics are separated from the blower.
 8. A positiveairway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to apatient, the PAP device comprising: housing; a flow generator securedwithin the housing and configured to pressurize a flow of breathablegas; and a humidifier configured to receive and humidify the pressurizedflow of breathable gas from the flow generator, the humidifiercomprising a tub configured to hold a volume of water, wherein a portionof the housing is configured to be immersed within the water in the tuband convey heat generated by the flow generator to the water in thehumidifier when the flow generator is secured to the humidifier.
 9. APAP device according to claim 8, wherein the flow generator comprises ablower assembly, the blower assembly comprising an impeller and a motorconfigured to drive the impeller, the impeller being configured topressurize the breathable gas.
 10. A PAP device according to claim 9,wherein the motor is secured within the portion of the housingconfigured to be immersed within the water in the tub.
 11. A PAP deviceaccording to claim 8, wherein the flow generator comprises an internalpower supply, and wherein the internal power supply is secured withinthe portion of the housing configured to be immersed within the water inthe tub.
 12. A PAP device according to claim 8, wherein the flowgenerator comprises an internal power supply, a blower with an impeller,a blower motor assembly configured to drive the blower, and motor driveelectronics configured to control the blower motor assembly.
 13. A PAPdevice according to claim 12, wherein the internal power supply and themotor drive electronics are compartmentalized from the blower and arepositioned within the housing so that heat generated by at least one ofthe internal power supply and the motor drive electronics is conveyed tothe water in the humidifier tub when the flow generator is secured tothe humidifier.
 14. A positive airway pressure (PAP) device forsupplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient, the PAP devicecomprising: a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow ofbreathable gas; a power supply configured to provide power to the flowgenerator; and a humidifier positioned between the flow generator andthe power supply, the humidifier being configured to receive andhumidify the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator,the humidifier comprising a tub configured to hold a volume of water;wherein the flow generator and the power supply are positioned relativeto the humidifier so that heat generated by at least one of the flowgenerator and the power supply is conveyed to the water in thehumidifier tub when the humidifier tub contains water and the flowgenerator and the power supply are assembled to the humidifier.
 15. APAP device according to claim 14, wherein a portion of the flowgenerator is configured to be positioned within the humidifier tub whenthe flow generator is secured to the humidifier.
 16. A PAP deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the flow generator comprises a blowerwith an impeller configured to pressurize the breathable gas and furthercomprises a blower motor assembly configured to drive the blower.
 17. APAP device according to claim 16, wherein the blower motor assembly ispositioned within the portion of the flow generator configured to bepositioned within the humidifier when the flow generator is secured tothe humidifier.
 18. A PAP device according to claim 17, wherein the flowgenerator further comprises a heater configured to heat the water in thehumidifier.
 19. A PAP device according to claim 18, wherein the heateris positioned within the portion of the flow generator configured to bepositioned within the humidifier when the flow generator is secured tothe humidifier.
 20. A PAP device according to claim 14, wherein aportion of the power supply is configured to be positioned within thehumidifier when the power supply is secured to the humidifier.